Sudurpaschim province yet to finalize disaster response plan as late monsoon approaches

Dhangadhi: The Sudurpaschim Province government has not yet finalized its disaster response plan, even as the monsoon season enters its later half.

Every year, a disaster response plan is prepared in advance to protect residents from monsoon-related hazards and to guide rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts during disasters. However, in this province, which is highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as floods and landslides, the plan remains unapproved.

Deputy Secretary Amod Dahal, spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law, stated that all necessary documents for the plan have been prepared but approval has been delayed due to the transfer of the ministry’s secretary. “The ministry had prepared the disaster response plan at the beginning of Shrawan,” he said, “and it is expected to be approved within the next week.”

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology’s Weather Forecasting Division had projected 45 to 55 percent higher than average rainfall this year in the Far West Province, though such rainfall has yet to occur. Consequently, monsoon-related disasters have not yet been experienced at the levels seen in previous years.

Due to the lack of rain, farmers have begun irrigating paddy fields using boreholes. Kailali and Kanchanpur districts remain at high risk of floods, which have annually caused loss of life and property. Additionally, seven hilly districts in the province continue to face threats from floods and landslides.